Korean J Anesthesiol.  2008 Mar;54(3):S43-S46. 10.4097/kjae.2008.54.3.S43.

Intubation through a Laryngeal Mask Airway by Fiberoptic Bronchoscope in an Infant with a Mass at the Base of the Tongue: A case report

• Kim JE
• Chang CH
• Nam YT

• KMID: 2239838
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2008.54.3.S43

Abstract

Failed or difficult tracheal intubation remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity during anesthesia, especially in infants with anatomical or pathological abnormalities of the airway.We report on a 4.1 kg, 85-day-male infant with a thyroglossal duct cyst at the tongue base who could not be conventionally ventilated and intubated in the supine position.The infant was intubated with a 3-mm endotracheal tube through the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) with guidance of a fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB).However, the pilot balloon did not pass through the 1.5-mm LMA conduit.After cutting the pilot balloon, we removed the LMA and inserted a central venous catheter guide-wire through the endotracheal tube to increase the endotracheal tube to 3.5 mm.This maneuver allowed us to secure the airway without further problems.

Keyword

fiberoptic bronchoscope; infant; intubation; laryngeal mask airway; thyroglossal duct cyst

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia
Bronchoscopes
Central Venous Catheters
Humans
Infant
Intubation
Laryngeal Masks
Thyroglossal Cyst
Tongue